IDF Wraps Up Major Surprise Exercise Simulating Gaza War With Hamas

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IDF soldiers speak next to a line of tanks in an open area near Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip, Oct. 18, 2018. Photo: Reuters / Amir Cohen.

A major surprise IDF exercise that simulated a war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip came to an end on Tuesday.

The Hebrew news site Makoreported that the exercise involved infantry, armor, artillery, communications and intelligence units, as well as the air force. The exercise emphasized movement between multiple fronts, army readiness and ability, and coordination between different military branches.

The exercise did not come completely out of the blue, as it is traditional for new IDF chiefs of staff to call a surprise exercise during their early months in office to demonstrate continuity of military readiness. Current IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi assumed the office on Jan. 15.